CFTC Outlines Pro-Innovation Regulatory Agenda at White House Event

At the White House Innovation Meeting on 19 August 2026, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Michael S. Selig outlined concrete regulatory developments under the Trump administration, supporting U.S. leadership in digital assets, AI and compute infrastructure, and prediction markets. Selig emphasised the end of "regulation by enforcement," the codification of the GENIUS Act, and the planned implementation of the CLARITY Act.

Advancing U.S. Regulatory Clarity in Digital Assets

The CFTC, under current leadership, has drawn a clear distinction between crypto assets classified as securities and those as commodities. Key legislative pillars include the GENIUS Act, which has been codified to provide a regulatory framework for innovators and market participants. The agency also oversaw the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve and authorised the launch of the first U.S. crypto perpetual product. According to Selig, these moves establish the U.S. as the "crypto capital of the world".

Exiling Past Regulatory Approaches

In his remarks, Selig referenced the removal of Gary Gensler and criticised prior regulatory approaches from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He credited the administration with creating an environment where developers and businesses are welcomed rather than penalised. Selig highlighted the cooperation between the CFTC and the Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Lutnick, to bolster America’s "compute capital" status—an effort framed as critical for the "AI Race" and digital commodity leadership.

Protecting Federally Regulated Prediction Markets

Commissioner Selig stated that the CFTC has acted to ensure federally regulated prediction markets remain operational within the U.S. He specifically referenced resistance to litigation from state attorneys general, mentioning Letitia James by name, as efforts to "nullify federal law and push these financial markets offshore.” The agency’s response aims to prevent domestic prediction markets from being displaced by unregulated offshore alternatives. This initiative fits into the broader regulatory landscape discussed in /regulation.

The Path Forward: CLARITY Act and Innovation Advisory Committee

Selig affirmed support for Congressional progress on the CLARITY Act, noting that the CFTC is prepared to implement the bill once it receives presidential approval. In the interim, the agency commits to using all available tools to further the President’s pro-innovation agenda. Selig announced that details of the CFTC’s future regulatory roadmap would be presented at the inaugural meeting of the CFTC’s Innovation Advisory Committee, scheduled for the following day.

He described this agenda as built around "greater certainty for innovators" and the continued attraction of investment and talent to American markets, with a focus on rules that underpin long-term confidence.

Building Policy with Real-World Expertise

The administration’s strategy was characterised as leveraging private-sector expertise in technology and finance within government advisory roles. Selig highlighted the involvement of business leaders like David Sacks and praised the appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC Chairman—a direct reference to personnel changes intended to further a pro-innovation, pro-market regulatory climate.

"Innovation depends on regulatory clarity. Clear rules create confidence. Confidence attracts investment. And investment creates jobs, strengthens our markets, and keeps the world’s best talent building here in America." — Michael S. Selig, CFTC Commissioner

Selig closed by reiterating the agency’s commitment to providing stable conditions and a clear framework, both seen as essential for maintaining American leadership in emerging financial and technological sectors.

Next Steps for the CFTC and U.S. Digital Asset Regulation

With the structure in place for ongoing dialogue, including the newly established Innovation Advisory Committee, the CFTC signals its willingness to swiftly implement Congress’s directives under the CLARITY Act. Selig’s remarks underscore a regulatory approach focused on certainty, coordination with other agencies, and a continued rejection of punitive strategies that impede innovation.